10 Most Popular Wheelchair Accessible Attractions in the World

In the past few years, the travel industry has seen a major boom. There are travelers who are traversing across the globe, and then there are those who are physically challenged and ticking off their favorite destinations on the list. They are the ones who prove that all you need is a traveler’s soul to view the majestic creations in the world.

With a conscious thought, most destinations are making their attractions accessible to all. Most world-renowned attractions can now be accessed in a wheelchair. There are many provisions made, and a disabled traveller can plan a vacation to their favorite place and explore its every nook and corner. Take a look at these 10 most popular attractions in the world that are wheelchair accessible.

Eiffel Tower, Paris

The operating company of this world famous tower has taken great measures to make it accessible for the disabled. From wide lifts accommodating wheelchairs to handicapped toilet facilities, they have it all. At a reduced entrance fee for the disabled, one can go to the first and second floor of Eiffel Tower. However, for safety reasons, the top floor is kept off-limits. Enjoy the breathtaking vistas of the city from the windows added to the railings.

The Great Wall of China, Beijing

For a long period of time, The Great Wall of China wasn’t very handicap-friendly. However, it all changed during the time of Olympics. A few sections of the majestic wall are now wheelchair accessible. With flat lanes, elevators, cable cars, and much more in place, the physically challenged travellers can easily be at the most popular sections of the wall, namely Badaling Great Wall and Mutianyu Great Wall.

Colosseum, Rome

Known to be the largest amphitheater ever built, the Colosseum in Rome, Italy, leaves everyone in awe. The amphitheater, which was built in 70-80 AD, is now mostly wheelchair accessible. However, one may encounter steps at a few section. An elevator can take the tourists with limited mobility to the upper lever. The smooth paved paths inside, make it easy to thoroughly view the amphitheater. At times there are cobblestone pathways, but then the Colosseum is worth all the trouble.

Sydney Opera House, Sydney

Sydney Opera House is one attraction all over the world which is highly wheelchair accessible. With a public lift operating from the lower, upper, and ground levels, a physically disabled person can easily enter the studio, playhouse, drama theater, and utzon room. The opera house officials continuously work towards making their art center accessible to one and all.

Statue of Liberty, New York

While the 93 meter tall monument can be easily viewed from a far distance, seeing it up-close equals to an exceptional experience. While the many elevators at Statue of Liberty offer entrance to the museum, the exterior of Fort Wood, and to the top of the pedestal, a wheelchair traveler can also reach its information center, gift pavilion, bookstore, and dining facilities without any difficulty. They also have limited wheelchairs that can be borrowed for free.

Sagrada Familia, Barcelona

Seen from every corner of the city, Sagrada Familia is one attraction that is not be missed on a planned vacation of Barcelona. This intricately designed masterpiece of Antoni Gaudi is simply awe-inspiring. The church has free entrance for physically disabled visitors. Although the elevators to the towers are not wheelchair accessible, you can view the interiors of the church along the ramp that goes all along the visitor path. You may even head towards the museum to know about the construction of Sagrada Familia.

Burj Khalifa, Dubai

With 211 levels, Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world, standing at a height of 2,722 feet. The entire building is wheelchair accessible. Using its wide elevators, one can easily navigate to the top floors of the tall structure. It has huge observation decks on the 124th and 148th floor that offer panoramic views of the Dubai skyline. These can also be accessed by a person with limited mobility. Since the corridors are wide enough, one can easily move around, except when it is too crowded. The building also has handicap-friendly bathrooms.

British Museum, London

If a person is a history-buff at heart , then the British Museum is the right place to be. And no barrier can stop a physically challenged person from accessing this place. Offering many elevators, the British Museum allows their wheelchair visitors to freely move around, viewing the historic artifacts. The only galleries that have steps include 6 and 33b galleries. The museum also has accessible bathrooms.

The Louvre, Paris

Here is another popular attraction from Paris that is wheelchair accessible. Formerly a royal palace, The Louvre now partly serves as a public museum. With 20 wheelchair lifts and 18 elevators, the place is highly accessible for the physically handicapped visitors. The palace also boasts to have more than one step-free entrance. One can even rent a wheelchair here. Accessible bathrooms are also made available.

Chichen Itza, Yucatan

A complex of Mayan ruins, Chichen Itza in Yucatan, Mexico, effectively takes one back in time. Many guided tours of the capital of the Mayan Empire can be availed by wheelchair users. The grounds are well paved and can be easily covered in a wheelchair. Many agencies rent wheelchair at this place. The only facilities lacking here are accessible bathrooms

Travel should never be bound to ability and with these highly accessible attractions, travelers with limited mobility are free to see the most popular destinations.

After being diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy at the age of two, Cory's thirst for adventure never ceased. He went on many trips around the US when he was younger, and then started taking things internationally when he turned fifteen. Since then, Cory has traveled around the world, all while managing to successfully graduate college and start up his travel blog curbfreewithcorylee.com, where he shares his accessible, and sometimes not so accessible, travel adventures with others. Through this, he hopes to inspire other wheelchair users to roll out of their comfort zone and see all of the beauty that the world has to offer.